General Information, Blower Intake Cover

Operating Instructions

General Information

The Grass Handling System (GHS) consists of a rear discharge mower deck connected to a 10.5 in. (27 cm) blower and a rear mounted grass catcher with 7.0 bushel (246 liters) capacity. The GHS blow- er operates any time the mower blade clutch is en- gaged and moves grass through the rear discharge deck chute into the grass catcher. Blower airflow is exhausted out the back of the grass catcher, through a filtering screen. When the grass catcher is full and needs to be emptied, a “full” signal horn alerts the operator. When the “full” signal horn sounds, it is important to stop mowing to prevent overfilling and clogging of the blower system.

IMPORTANT: Normally, the GHS blower operates with no maintenance or cleaning required. However, under certain operating conditions, the inside of the blower housing may accumulate a deposit of dirt, causing wear and binding of the blower wheel. Normally, dirt buildup occurs when mowing a com bination of dirty and damp grass, especially in the springtime. When operating in these conditions, check the blower wheel frequently for binding and clean the blower housing as required. Refer to CLEANING the GHS Blower in Maintenance

Instructions.

NOTE: In Autumn, when using the GHS mower to vacuum leaves, it is recommended to raise the front of the mower deck 2 to 3 notches [1 to 1-1/2 in. (25 to 38 mm)] higher than the rear. This will avoid “bulldozing” leaves, particularly when the leaves are piled in a thick layer. To make this adjustment, the hitch pins in the two (2) front deck support pins are repositioned 2 to 3 notches higher while leaving the rear pins in their original position.

DANGER

NEVER operate the GHS catcher with the back door open. Objects may be thrown out the back of the catcher with sufficient force to cause serious injury to bystanders or property damage. NOTE: For non- catching operation, the “No-Catch” Deflec- tor is an available accessory item.

NOTE: When a side discharge or mulching mower deck is installed on the GHS model, a blower intake cover should be installed in the blower intake tube. This cover “unloads” the blower and seals the in- take to effectively eliminate power loss and blower noise when the blower is not being used.

Blower

Intake Cover

Blower Intake Cover

NOTE: An alternative to using the blower intake cover when a side discharge or mulching deck is installed on a GHS model is the blower lockout kit (P/N 7541). The blower lockout kit releases tension on the blower drive belt and does not require the blower intake cover.

DANGER

ROTATING BLOWER BLADES

NEVER operate the GHS blower with the blower discharge chute uncovered (grass catcher in the dump position) since dan gerous projectiles may be thrown. NEVER put hands into the blower discharge chute for any reason. Use a stick or similar in strument to remove any material if clogging has occurred.

CAUTION

NEVER leave grass clippings in the grass catcher after mowing. Damp clippings generate heat as they decompose. This MAY cause spontaneous combustion.